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The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 NIV

There are many people, places, and things that we will have to let go of in order to have a viable relationship with God. Our Christian experience should include daily and continual growth when we place our lives in the Master’s hands. God expects and requires total obedience through our trust and faith in him by sacrificial giving.

We read biblical accounts of Abraham, Job, the Apostle Paul, and many others who obeyed God through life-changing experiences; their faithfulness required letting go of the familiarity of the choices that brought comfort in their lives. If you as a Christian believer are happily living in your comfort zone without any trials or tribulations, then you are following self-designed plans for your life. God requires the bumps in the road, the storms, and the turmoils in life so we can fully depend on Him.

In our prayers, we must approach the Throne of Grace and ask God, “What must I do?” Yes, it takes a giant leap of faith for us to sacrifice by totally submitting to God. We must give up and let go of all that seems important.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God desires that all experience the trust and faith to completely depend on him, by believing His promises and giving up the people, places, and things that have kept us from obtaining true spiritual growth. God has promised that His plans are much better than our own plans. Go with God–He is always great in His faithfulness!

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask for the strength to place our desires aside and we humbly ask for you to reveal your plans for our lives. Thank you for your love, your faithfulness, and your mercies. This prayer we ask in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

South Knoxville, TN

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34 NIV

We are at a restaurant who has an all inclusive creed: All are welcome! In fact, the Falafel specialist considers itself a safe house regardless.

As we sat and waited for our food, customers from every possible background entered and the once empty establishment begin to fill to capacity.

I thought about the New Heaven and the New Earth that will be filled with the most wonderful diversity that we have ever witnessed.

Are you preparing for the heavenly diversity? Do you possess a loving heart that excludes no one? If so, God is an intregal part of your belief system.

Love others as God loves you!

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for the wonderful diversity of creating us so uniquely that our fingerprints differ from those who have lived before us, with us, and those who will live after us. We pray that we love and respect all persons regardless. Thank you for hearing our prayer that we ask in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Dare to be Different!
Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Are you thinking about the latest fashion craze or excitedly waiting for the next television episode of continuous drama? Do you play the lottery or enjoy the gambling casinos? We are admonished not to be caught up in the fleeting pleasures of life. The enticement of sinful activities will undoubtedly lead us down the path of destruction.

Our desire to serve God-who is jealous-can be circumvented by worldly idols. Do your priorities align with God’s standards? By praying for guidance, we can become aware of the things we need to give up. Daring to be different may cause us to lose friends and family; it may cause us to give up many things that make us happy; it may cause us to sacrifice everything that we have been doing which does not reflect our love for God.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have spent too much time trying to conform to the world. Please forgive me and give me the courage to take a stand and be different. This prayer I ask in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NIV

Pride and Anger produce a lethal combination that prevent forming healthy relationships with God and others. Our ability to express anger was given to us because God knew of the injustice that would be prevalent because of sin. Even so, when we allow our emotions to overtake our rational thought processes, it is then that we seek to destroy.

The desire to convince others of the truth or to stand for what is right, by any means necessary, always results in a loss. Although we may know the situation is full of error, once we have expressed God’s truth, we must stand down and let God through his Holy Spirit take over and resolve the situation. The choice that we make is an indication of whether we are filled with humility or pride.

Pride is a consequence of sin: Pride produces chaos that injures the bearer and the recipient. Isaiah 14 describes the reason for the Fall of Lucifer; he became so impressed by his own qualities and abilities, his beauty, intelligence, status, and power, which were gifted by God, that he desired the honor and glory that only belonged to God. The angels that were impressed by Lucifer’s pride also suffered the consequences of being cast down from heaven (Revelation 12:7-9), and their fate along with Satan, the fearless leader of the sinful, is one of total destruction (Revelation 20:9-10).

There is a thought process that does not have a biblical basis, that a Believer possesses “Righteous indignation.” God admonishes us against the sins of pride, arrogance, self-seeking recognition and inappropriate anger. When we possess these sinful characteristics, they are certain to impact our lives by only producing negative consequences and an ungodly character.

In order to possess humility, we must establish a deep relationship with Christ. Our inherent sinful natures propel us toward choosing the ungodly characteristics of pride and anger. Who doesn’t love to be right?

The right choice is to heed and obey the Word of God, by seeking knowledge and praying for wisdom.

Verses for today: Proverbs 2:6; Galations 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask forgiveness for the sins of pride and anger. It is our desire to possess a character that is godly and one that reflects your character and love. Please teach us humility and give us the strength to become clean vessels, so we may be used by you. This prayer we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Have I not commanded you be strong and of good courage? Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Be Strong! Be courageous!

If we really believed in God’s power and His love for us, we would have unwavering faith. God commands us to stop being afraid of our struggles, of our tests, and our tribulations. He has all the answers, if we only believe.

Do you need a job, money to pay overdue tuition, a new vehicle, wisdom, a deeper relationship with your spouse, or peace in your home? Step aside, our carnal minds are unable to resolve the obstacles that we face when we serve God.

God is with us! He is waiting to deliver us, like he did when Daniel was thrown into the lions den (Daniel 6). Those flesh-eating beasts purred like kittens because God sent an angel to close their mouths. Although the King was tricked into signing the decree, even he acknowledged that the Most High God who Daniel served, would save Daniel from the hungry lion’s roaring mouths.

Believe in the mighty power of God!

He is able, He is ready, and He is willing to do what He promises and that is to be with us, at all times. It is our responsibility to remain steadfast, possess courage, and proclaim, “I know the great ‘I am’ will deliver me from this situation.”

Only believe, that all things are possible with God!

Prayer for today: Dear God, It is me standing in the need of a revival in my heart. I have faltered when the storms have come into my life. I ask forgiveness for not believing that you will deliver me as you promised. I desire to serve you wholeheartedly from this day forward. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer that I ask in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

For most of us, we make achievable and attainable goals for our lives; whether we accomplish those goals is not only dependent upon making viable plans but also dependent upon our determination, strength, and perseverance to make it through the struggle to the accomplishment phase.

Let’s look at a shared desire among many: To achieve an optimal level of wellness-health by the loss of excess body weight. Are you drinking protein shakes for days on end or purchasing fruits and vegetables to change your eating habits? The method that we choose will determine if we are looking for a quick fix or a major overhaul in our lifestyle.

If we choose a diet based on the temporary deprivation from the unhealthy foods that we continue to desire, then we may accomplish a temporary weight loss; however, we continue in the cycle of short-term victory with pending defeat just around the corner, also referred to as yo-yo dieting.

“Yo-yo dieting or the yo-yo effect, also known as weight cycling is a term coined by Kelly D. Brownell at Yale University, in reference to the cyclical loss and gain of weight, resembling the up-and-down motion of a yo-yo.”

For the many of us who are active in the struggle of achieving permanent changes in our lifestyle, we must fervently continue by always including God and also determining to make the right choice in the times of temptation.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

When we are weak in our spiritual relationship with God, our short-term goals can never transition into long-term goals. Staying close to God through prayer and study of His Word imparts His strength to accomplish the changes needed to retrain our tastebuds, to get our bodies in motion by exercising, and to deepen our relationship with Him.

Remember we are unable to achieve a healthier lifestyle without God!

How many individuals are at an ideal weight by eating healthy and exercising; yet, are full of anxiety, depression, and other maladies? If you desire to achieve a complete optimal level of wellness, place Spiritual wellness as your first priority for long-term goals.

Pray at every moment of weakness!

The Bible tells us that God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). How much more does He want for his created beings to have the best level of Health along with a closer and deeper relationship with him?

God + you = Victory

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask you for the strength to make it through the struggle that each of us is facing in our lives. We desire to have a closer relationship with you. We admit that we have failed in accomplishing our long-term goals because our weaknesses have prevented us from making it through the struggle of change. Please help us to be overcomers in every aspect of our lives by fully depending on you. This prayer we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:3 NLT

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

What must I do? Have you taken the opportunity to pray and ask God what you must do in order to serve Him with your entire life?

As with any question, there are varied answers; however, the similar component of the answer to this question is that it takes a great sacrifice for every individual to serve and please God. Because we were created with different talents and capabilities, our sacrifices will differ, even so, all believers must relinquish what is most important to them.

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Mark 10:21

We know the sad ending to the young man’s story, he made the choice to continue to cherish worthlessness as he walked away from Jesus.

“What must I do to have eternal life?”

All who profess their love for God must ask, and then obey when they receive the answer. Will you accept what may be the most difficult decision in your life?

Prayer for today: Dear God, What is my sacrificial offering that I must give away, or start doing in order to follow and serve you with my whole heart? It is my desire to give whatever you ask of me from this day forward. Thank you for the greatest sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ and leaving us the example that you did not withhold anything, in order for us to be saved and have eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. We ask this in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

New Mercies on a New Day
Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Good Morning!

We have been granted a brand new day to praise and thank God for all He has done in our lives. We can never retrieve yesterday nor can we take for granted that we will be a part of tomorrow. Our opportunity to grow spiritually exists for this day. Pray, praise, and study His Word. God loves us unconditionally. Thank you God.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for this brand new day. We lift your name on high because we love you. As we interact with others, help us to be a reflection of your love and character. We ask you to forgive us of our sins, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. These blessings we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Shout Praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Psalm 100:1 CEV

I have noticed that since reading the Word of God on a daily basis that I am thinking and reacting in a different manner. The annoying situations that triggered my emotional thermostat to reach an overload level, no longer have control over my mind. And that isn’t the only change that I have noticed; I have peace, contentment, and joy which has me singing and praising God all day long.

Hmmm, why didn’t someone share this good news with me? I had to go through the struggle and find out on my own; even so, I have decided to share this good, and great news of how to live according to John 14:27:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

We applaud others by clapping our hands, readily showing our approval of their actions.

Our God is so worthy of our consistent praise: pray, sing, clap, move your feet, lift your hands, and most importantly, verbalize and let God know that you are thankful for His love, grace, and mercies.

Whatever sacrifices you are required to make during your busy day, take the time to “Praise God!”

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4

Prayer for today: Dear God, We magnify you, we praise you, and we worship your Holy name. Please accept our praises and our thankfulness for loving us first, for sustaining us, and for giving us the plan of Salvation through your Son, Jesus. As we face our trials and tribulations, help us to never forget your Omnipotence and your never-ending mercies. We ask for strength in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen, Amen, Amen!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019